News Archive - Edinburgh Food Project

Our response to Trussell’s Scottish Parliament election manifesto

Icelantic Support — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 14:32:21 +0000

Edinburgh Food Project CEO Laura van Der Hoeven responds to the launch of The Trussell Trust’s Scottish Parliamentary Election manifesto.

Welcome to 2026 – it’s an election year! As a member of the network we are delighted to welcome Trussell’s manifesto for the Holyrood elections in May, which demands that politicians of all parties commit to consigning the widespread need for foodbanks in Scotland to the past.

It’s been over three years since the Scottish Government published its strategy “Cash First Plan – towards ending the need for foodbanks in Scotland”. Since then, several successful pilot initiatives have taken place that all demonstrate a cash first approach is extremely effective at moving people on from foodbank reliance, but the work has not been mainstreamed, and political momentum has been lost. We need to bring that momentum back! As a sector we are pretty united in our demands for better investment in social security and social housing. We also need a much clearer narrative around how the food system needs to change if we want politicians to take serious action to improve the affordability of healthy food.

In December, food inflation was running at 5.7 per cent, twice the rate of headline inflation. “The rising cost of essentials” is now by far the most common reason why people are referred to our foodbanks. Rising food costs impact everyone and obesity is a public health crisis across the population but the impact on the poorest is always the hardest. School meals, the planning system and public procurement are all important policy levers for a government committed to ensuring that healthy, affordable and culturally appropriate food is available to everyone and no one goes hungry.

The social welfare system and the food system are both failing to address people’s needs. Scarcity is so normalised, it’s leading people experiencing hardship to have such low expectations of public services and such a sense of powerlessness that they become easy prey for parties offering extremist or populist solutions who rarely have the best interests of people living in poverty at heart.

The people we work with often describe the stigma, frustration and confusion of trying to access support and the transformational positive impact on their lives when service providers see them as a whole-person and offer support that sees and meets all of their needs. Often it is culture change as much as policy change that is needed to change lives. The Edinburgh Poverty Commission found that “the single biggest transformation Edinburgh could achieve would be to make the experience of seeking help less painful and confusing more humane, and more compassionate” – charities and public sector service providers alike need to accept the challenge laid down by that finding.

Let’s hope that the 2026 parliament is the one that closes the implementation gap between government policy and the lived experience of people forced to rely on foodbanks for good.

You can read Trussell’s 2026 Scottish Parliament election manifesto here.

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Edinburgh Food Project is the charity of the month for Edinburgh Community Bookshop

Icelantic Support — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 13:36:23 +0000

Edinburgh Food Project is the charity of the month for Edinburgh Community Bookshop.

As many of us begin to plan the gifts we will buy, the tree we will decorate and the dinners we will eat, thousands of people in Edinburgh are having to turn to foodbanks across the city. For too many people this festive season will be full of challenges – how they will pay their bills, and how they will feed their families. You can help. In addition to donating food and money, there’s a new way to support Edinburgh Food Project this year.

Edinburgh Community Bookshop, based on Great Junction Street in Edinburgh, is home to a wide variety of second-hand books which have been generously donated by members of the public or local businesses. It’s different from other charity bookshops in that it chooses a different local charity each month, to raise funds for their cause by donating profits from the shop directly to them. In December, Edinburgh Food Project is the chosen charity.

Suzy Goodsir, Fundraising Lead at Edinburgh Food Project said “We’re so grateful to Edinburgh Community Bookshop for choosing us as their December charity of the month. The Bookshop is an excellent place to browse and shop. We love that the books there are all donated by the community. Shopping there is a simple and impactful way to give back to local charities like Edinburgh Food Project.”

Tuscani Lakeman, Edinburgh Community Bookshop said “Edinburgh Food Project was chosen as our charity of the month for December because we really admire the work they do for the local community. December is a time for getting together and enjoying meals with loved ones and we love that Edinburgh Food Project are helping people to do this. Since opening three years ago we’ve donated over £38,000 to different Edinburgh based charities and we’re so happy to be supporting Edinburgh Food Project as our last charity for 2025.”

If you are heading out gift shopping, consider a sustainable gift option for friends or family, or a treat for yourself. Shopping at Edinburgh Community Bookshop this month will help raise funds to support families facing hardship at Christmas.

Find out more and support Edinburgh Food Project’s Change The Present Christmas Appeal by clicking here.

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Volunteers’ week 2025: Meet Judy Cook, a ten-year volunteer who is abseiling off a bridge to support foodbanks

Suzy Goodsir — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 14:31:34 +0000

Volunteers are the lifeblood of Edinburgh Food Project. Last year our amazing team of over 200 volunteer workers put in a total of 11,950 hours of unpaid work driving vans, making up food boxes and manning foodbanks, all to ensure emergency food gets to the people who need it.

This Volunteer’s Week (June 2-8) we are celebrating the fantastic effort they make day in, day out and taking a closer look at what it’s like to be a volunteer at the Edinburgh Food Project.

Judy Cook has been volunteering with us since September 2015. Judy, 66, is one of the dedicated team of volunteers who look after the warehouse, sorting donated food into parcels ready to be distributed to foodbanks. Not only that, she has also recently decided to take on a sponsored abseil challenge to raise money for Edinburgh Food Project, which will see Judy abseil a dizzying 165ft from the Forth Bridge to the beach at South Queensferry. She kindly agreed to share her experience of volunteering with the charity for nearly a decade and explain what motivated her to brave the bridge.

Has your role changed at all from when you started to now? “I’ve spent all that time in the warehouse, but doing a lot of different roles there. I’ve seen a lot of change since I’ve been here, when I first started everything was run by volunteers.

“Just the growth and the whole service that we provide now, it’s more than food. I think it’s fabulous that it’s not just food we provide, we provide a lot of other support as well.”

Have you made friends in the course of doing this, and have you found it personally rewarding? “Yes, absolutely. And yes it is, it’s satisfying – you see the results of your labour if you’re packing boxes you see the line of boxes all at the end of the day or if you’re dating you see all the dated food, so it is satisfying to see the results.”

It is also satisfying to know that you’re doing a bit to help as well? “Oh absolutely, that’s why you volunteer – to contribute to society and to help. And it’s great being part of a team as well.”

“In a first world country there should not be a need for a foodbank.”

What would you say to someone who was thinking about volunteering here? “I’d say go for it. It’s great to be part of something and everyone is lovely.”

You’ve just decided to do an abseil for the foodbanks! That was very brave of you. “Yes! I have decided to take on the abseil challenge. I think the impetus for that was becoming a state pensioner and just feeling a zest for adventure – and I wanted to go for it! And of course I wanted to raise a lot of money for the foodbank.”

Thank you to Judy for taking the time to share her experience of volunteering with Edinburgh Food Project and we wish her all the best on her abseil in September. If you would like to sponsor her, please visit her JustGiving page.

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The Big Bounce: Racing Together for Foodbanks

Suzy Goodsir — Fri, 30 May 2025 11:37:00 +0000

Three local foodbanks will each field a team of seven sponsored racers, ready to bounce, slide, swing, and leap through an inflatable 5K obstacle course – and we need YOU to get involved!

In a first-of-its-kind challenge Edinburgh Food Project is teaming up with East Lothian Foodbank and West Lothian Foodbank for an exciting, fun-filled event — and we need your support! This August teams from all three foodbanks will race around the inflatable 5k to raise vital funds to help those in need across Edinburgh, East, and West Lothian.

On August 30, the three foodbanks will each field a team of seven sponsored racers to take part in a day of teamwork, laughter, and community spirit at Abercorn School House, Broxburn — all in the name of helping people struggling to afford food across Edinburgh, East and West Lothian.

There are four ways you can get involved and help out the Big Bounce:

Join the Team: Sign up a a runner for your chosen foodbank, see the links below.
Sponsor a Racer or Team: Help raise funds for your chosen foodbanks.
Share the Campaign: Check social media from the foodbanks, and spread the word to friends and family to increase our impact!
Make a Donation: Every pound helps provide food parcels, advice, and support. See below.

To find out more about each team, learn how to get involved and make a donation to provide food, support, and hope to those facing hunger in our region, please see the links below:

Please visit Edinburgh Food Project’s JustGiving page to support foodbanks in the City of Edinburgh area.

To support the vital work of East Lothian Foodbank and donate to their campaign please visit their JustGiving page here.

To support West Lothian Foodbank’s fantastic efforts to help people in their area please visit their JustGiving page here.

To Bounce for Edinburgh Food Project:

Contact our team: If you’re feeling bouncy and would like to join Edinburgh’s team, reach out to Calypso at: calypsocoulton@edinburghfoodproject.org
Sign up: Registration for the event costs £10 and we ask each of our runners to set a fundraising target of £180.
Start fundraising: Our star fundraiser Calypso will help you get started, set up a JustGiving page and give you lots of tips to help you reach your target, as well as your own Edinburgh Food Project t-shirt to bounce in.

Whether you’re bouncing, cheering or making a donation, your support helps foodbanks get food to those in need and helps build towards an Edinburgh without foodbanks where everyone has what they need to thrive.

Lucy Daniels, Fundraising and Campaigns Manager for East Lothian foodbank said: “We’re excited to join forces with two brilliant foodbanks in a bit of friendly rivalry — all in the name of raising vital funds and awareness. While foodbanks are best known for providing emergency food, our work goes far beyond that — offering support, advice, and a lifeline to people across our communities who are struggling.

“This challenge is a fun and energetic way to highlight that work, and to show what’s possible when communities come together. We’re calling on all ELFS — East Lothian Foodbank Supporters — to rally behind us, join our team, and help us bounce to victory. Capes optional… but team spirit is a must!”

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Brave the bridge and support foodbanks with an abseil challenge

Suzy Goodsir — Wed, 14 May 2025 14:41:48 +0000

Will you take the plunge and support foodbanks? This is your chance take on an exhilarating abseil challenge to raise money for Edinburgh Food Project!

Today we are launching the latest Edinburgh Food Project fundraising challenge – an amazing sponsored abseil from the iconic Forth Bridge.

Last year four brave souls took the plunge, including our former director Bethany, and we had so much fun that this year we’re back with a bigger team.

So if you have always wanted to get up close and personal with Scotland’s best-loved landmark, this is an exclusive chance to tick something really special off your bucket list while supporting the foodbanks.

The abseil is a 165ft drop from the world-famous bridge to the soft sands of South Queensferry providing a unique and memorable experience. This year it takes place on Sunday 28th September. We are asking our fundraising heroes to commit to raising £300 in sponsorship for this event – last year most people raised more than that and fundraising expert Calypso will give you all the help you need getting set up, offering fundraising tips, and of course an Edinburgh Food Project t-shirt so you can complete the challenge in style.

Last year Karin Eggerath braved the bridge, as a way to support foodbanks, overcome her fear of heights and prove that nothing could hold her back. She explained: “proving to the world that people with MS can do cool stuff was what motivated me and made me stop greetin and just do it when I started to panic a bit!”

“The moment when the guy said, ‘just swing your legs over the railing now’ was when I started to freak out a bit, but in the end I thought about the treat that Calypso had promised me and pushed off.

“I felt amazing afterwards and overcoming your fears is such a great test for yourself.”

If you’re feeling adventurous and would like to find out more just reach out to Calypso at calypsocoulton@edinburghfoodproject.org

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Edinburgh Food Project opposes ‘cruel and counterproductive’ cuts to social security.

Suzy Goodsir — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 14:50:20 +0000

The UK government is considering making £5bn in cuts to financial support for ill and disabled people. Edinburgh Food Project opposes these cuts in the strongest terms.

The changes will affect around 1 million people and are “likely to reduce the Treasury funding” to pay for welfare benefits in Scotland, the BBC reports. Some people could be hundreds of pounds a month worse off. Slashing welfare payments risks pushing even more people into using foodbanks and these cuts would hit disabled people on the lowest incomes here in Edinburgh.

Chris Nelson, Money Advice Service manager for Edinburgh Food Project, said: “Our foodbanks have witnessed firsthand the critical role that stable welfare support plays in safeguarding the well-being of individuals and families. Cuts to benefits risk pushing more people into crisis, increasing reliance on emergency food parcels, and further straining mental health services.”

Research shows that disabled people in the UK are already three times more likely to face hunger and, according to figures from the Trussell Trust, three quarters of the people needing foodbanks are disabled or live with someone disabled.

The passionate volunteers and staff at Edinburgh Food Project work incredibly hard to make sure food and essentials get to people who need them. Our Money Advice Service staff have helped secure more than £230,000 in benefits owed to clients since January and we work with over a dozen Support Agencies providing help with things like employability, housing and advocacy.

Colin Campbell, Strategic Partnership and Development Lead at Edinburgh Food Project said: “Our vision is for an Edinburgh without poverty where everyone has what they need to thrive. These cuts risk causing further harm to people in Edinburgh who are already really struggling. It’s parents skipping meals so their kids can eat, it’s people unable to afford travel to medical appointments and sitting in cold homes. We encourage people to write to their MPs opposing these unnecessary and unfair cuts.”

Whilst Edinburgh Food Project works towards the goal that one day there will no longer be a need for foodbanks, it is appalling that the government is considering withdrawing support from some of the most vulnerable people in our city and potentially increasing the need for our services. Trussell CEO Emma Revie recently said of the proposed cuts: “A plan to slash payments and rip support from disabled people who most need our collective protection from hunger is cruel and counterproductive.”

We are calling on everyone reading this to take two minutes and join Trussell’s campaign and write to their MP ahead of the Spring Statement on 26 March asking them to put pressure on the Prime Minister to rethink the planned cuts. You can also visit our website to find out how to donate food or funds to our foodbanks as we continue to support Edinburgh residents through tough times.

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RED WEATHER WARNING – FOODBANKS AND WAREHOUSE CLOSED

Icelantic Support — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 15:29:00 +0000

Due to the extreme weather predicted tomorrow, we have reluctantly taken the decision to close all our foodbank centres and our warehouse tomorrow Friday 24 January for safety reasons.

Please do not to travel to any of our locations on Friday. We will return to our usual schedule on Monday once the storm has passed.

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Craigmillar Community Hub – Impact Report

Icelantic Support — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 13:43:54 +0000

In August 2023 Edinburgh Food Project opened a new Community Hub at the Thistle Centre of Wellbeing in Craigmillar. The Hub is a partnership between the Edinburgh Food Project and the Thistle Foundation that brings together, under one roof, a suite of support tailored to meet the needs of the local community.

It has been an ambitious venture to meet the concerning levels of food insecurity in Edinburgh while also supporting people to break out of the cycle of poverty.

The Community Hub model consists of five core elements:

Seasonal Events that bring the whole community together
Shop style foodbank offering emergency food with choice and dignity
Money Advice Service our in-house service that offers advice on benefits, debt and income maximisation
12 Support Agencies that support people to address poverty, exclusion and disability
Courses such as cooking and digital inclusion courses to help bring the community together and learn new skills

We celebrated one year of the Hub this year and we want to share the impact that we have has since we opened our doors in 2023. Please see the below Impact Report which outlines our key partnerships with support agencies, the various courses and events hosted at the Hub, and stories of the real life impact the Hub is having for individuals in the community.

hub impact report

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Edinburgh Food Project Director Bethany Biggar is leaving to explore pastures new

Icelantic Support — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 11:53:20 +0000

After 10 years with Edinburgh Food Project, our Director Bethany Biggar has announced that she will be leaving the organisation to explore pastures new early in 2025.

Bethany is set to join Change Mental Health, a national charity which provides support to ensure no one needs to face mental illness alone. She will join as Head of National Services in March and is confident that this is the right time for change.

“It has been an absolute privilege leading Edinburgh Food Project and I feel that I’m leaving the organisation in good health. However, every organisation needs an injection of fresh energy, and this is a great time for new leadership, new skills, and exciting new ideas to take the Project into an even brighter future.

“It’s time for me to build my own skills and knowledge, and my new role at Change Mental Health offers me the opportunity to learn and grow and to develop my career. But Edinburgh Food Project has been a brilliant place to work and I’m confident that the next Director will find it every bit as incredible as I have over the last 10 years.”

Bethany’s official last day at EFP will be on 28 February, but she’ll be using up some annual leave before that. We’re sure all our volunteers, partners, and supporters will join us in wishing her every success in her new role. The search for our new Director will begin in January.

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New Community Hub in Craigmillar

Suzy Goodsir — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 13:59:39 +0000

September 1, 2023

Edinburgh Food Project is committed to ending the need for foodbanks and to making sure that everyone has what they need to thrive. Our foodbank centres have been welcoming drop-ins from other agencies for some time, and our dedicated Money Advice Service has been helping people to make financial gains.

We wanted to bring everything together under one roof so that we can offer holistic wrap around support to people in crisis. We’re delighted to say that we’ve now opened a new Community Hub at the Thistle Centre of Wellbeing in Craigmillar which will offer a new style of foodbank, together with a range of advice and support. We’ve closed our foodbank at Potter’s House and will now be operating our new Craigmillar foodbank every Tuesday and Thursday in our new home.

New location:
Thistle Centre of Wellbeing
12 Queen’s Walk
Edinburgh
EH16 4EA
MAP

New times:
Tuesday: 11.00 – 13.30

Thursday: 11.00 – 13.30

New way of operating:

People will be greeted on arrival at Thistle and directed to the foodbank
They will check in and be offered a cup of tea or coffee
They will then be issued with a shopping list of food and other essentials, plus vouchers for baby items and cat/dog food as needed
People can then select the items on the shopping list from the shelves in a similar way to the way they would in a supermarket – including fresh fruit and veg

Additional support and advice:

Representatives from our Money Advice Service will be there in person during foodbank hours to offer support and advice
Edinburgh Food Project volunteers will provide a listening ear for anyone who needs one
In the future (Oct/Nov onwards) other delivery partners and agencies will be present at the foodbank to offer additional specialist advice and support e.g. on housing or employment

Bethany Biggar, Edinburgh Food Project Director said:

“It’s not ok that people need to use foodbanks, but until everyone can afford the essentials Edinburgh Food Project is committed to making sure we provide emergency food for the people who need it in the most dignified way possible. We have been running our Money Advice Service and inviting services to drop-in to our foodbanks successfully for a while now and we know that it works. This move to the Centre of Wellbeing represents an exciting step-change; bringing everything together in a Community Hub to support people to find a way out of poverty for good.”

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